In 2009, amidst the subprime crisis that hit the U.S. housing market and financial sector, our family purchased a small house in Iowa City.

Everyone warned us, saying, "Now is not the time to buy a house," but we were tired of wasting money on rent, so we hurried to buy.

Thus began our home for our family of seven: my husband and I, my in-laws, and our three children. Every day is a battle, but this house, filled with laughter and chaos, remains a cherished home. However, as our family grows, space is becoming increasingly limited, and considering my in-laws' health, moving has become a more realistic concern.

When I first bought the house in 2009, the median home price in Iowa City was about $165,000. At that time, it was right after the financial crisis, so prices were slightly lower. The house I purchased was also $170,000.

However, in recent years, especially after the pandemic, the real estate market in this area has changed significantly. As of 2024, the average home price in Iowa City has risen to about $270,000. Simply put, that's an increase of over $100,000.

Of course, it's not skyrocketing like in major cities on the East and West Coasts, but Iowa City has shown steady and stable growth as a small city. Particularly, with a consistent influx of university, hospital, and public sector workers, the demand for housing remains stable. This area has relatively few speculative forces, so concerns about a 'bubble' are lower.

Having lived in our current home for nearly 15 years, I have a clear idea of what conditions are essential for our next home.

A first-floor room and bathroom for my in-laws: As climbing stairs becomes increasingly difficult, having living space on the first floor is essential.

Individual spaces for the children: As our three children grow, they need their own rooms. Especially the eldest, who is now a high school student, desperately needs a quiet space to study.

A spacious kitchen and family room: To accommodate our family of seven for meals and time together, we need ample space.

Proximity to schools and hospitals: My husband and I are still working, so accessibility to schools and hospitals is important.

Throughout the day, I often check real estate apps. I look at listings in the neighborhood and check price trends, taxes, school districts, etc., using apps like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin. Lately, I'm interested in homes with at least 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a minimum of 2,500 square feet, but most are priced between $360,000 and $400,000.

In fact, if I sell my current home, I think I could sell it for the upper $200,000s, but even if I put all of that as a down payment, I would still need to take out a mortgage, which is concerning.

A home for a family of seven means more than just 'space.' It's where the children grow up, where we can watch over my in-laws in their old age, and sometimes it's a space where family conflicts and reconciliations coexist.

Therefore, when choosing our next home, I hope it can be a space that captures not only 'size' and 'price' but also the 'weight of life.'

Even now, at night, my husband and I talk over a glass of wine.

"Our home, where will it be next?"
And we both laugh together.
"Just a little more comfortable, a little more spacious, and a home where we can understand each other better."

The journey to find that home is still ongoing, but that process is truly precious.